ゴシック
goshikku
The English word "gothic" is translated into Japanese as ゴシック (goshikku).
The term is used to describe things relating to the Gothic subculture, lifestyle.
Meaning: of or relating to the goth subculture or lifestyle (adj)
Which one should you use?
While ゴシック is the standard term, you may encounter various forms depending on the context: ゴシック調 is used to specify a particular style or tone, while ゴスっぽい is used to mean "gothic-like". In informal contexts, ゴス acts as a popular abbreviation and ゴスロリ is used specifically when referring to Gothic Lolita fashion.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to use the word as an adjective to describe a noun in a more descriptive sense, such as "gothic fashion", the form ゴシックな is often used.
How do you pronounce it?
goshikku
Did you know?
- The word ゴシック is a phonetic loanword from English, but its usage in Japanese typography is actually based on a misunderstanding of the English word 'grotesque' used for certain fonts.
- In Japanese, ゴシック refers not only to a subculture but also to a specific category of sans-serif typography. If you ask for a ゴシック font, you will receive a clean, modern style rather than an ornate medieval one.
- The term ゴシック in Japan is heavily associated with the 'Gothic Lolita' fashion movement, which emphasizes a porcelain-doll appearance rather than the darker, more macabre themes often associated with Western 'Goth' subcultures.
Examples in context
- それは典型的なゴシック式教会です。It is a typical Gothic church.This sentence is useful for showing how to use ゴシック to describe a church.Tatoeba #204970 by mookeee, translation #42212 by CK
- あの子のファッションスタイル、 ゴスっぽい よね。Her fashion style is quite gothic-like, isn't it?
- 彼女はゴシックなファッションが好きです。Kanojo wa goshikku na fasshon ga suki desu.She likes gothic fashion.
- この部屋はゴシックな雰囲気ですね。Kono heya wa goshikku na fun'iki desu ne.This room has a gothic atmosphere, doesn't it?
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are discussing their outfits for a themed party.
- 蓮 Ren美咲、明日のパーティーは何を着るの？Misaki, ashita no pātī wa nani o kiru no?Misaki, what are you wearing to the party tomorrow?
- 美咲 Misakiかっこいいゴシックなドレスを着るつもりだよ。Kakkoii goshikku na doresu o kiru tsumori da yo.I'm planning to wear a cool gothic dress.
- 蓮 Renそれはいいね。僕も黒い服にしようかな。Sore wa ii ne. Boku mo kuroi fuku ni shiyou kana.That sounds good. Maybe I'll wear black clothes too.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮もゴシックなスタイルに挑戦してね！Ren mo goshikku na sutairu ni chōsen shite ne!Ren, you should try a gothic style too!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ゴシック, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
